FORMER England ace Nigel Clough today identified Accrington Stanley as one of Burton Albion's leading challengers for the UniBond Premier League title as the sides prepare to meet in Staffordshire tomorrow.

Clough, now player-manager of Albion, is well aware of Stanley's title credentials after watching them in person at the Crown Ground this season.

And, despite the Reds indifferent start to the season, he believes John Coleman's men are one of half a dozen sides who are ready to challenge for the Conference.

"When we joined this league at the start of the season, I picked out Stanley as one of the leading contenders and I've no reason to change that opinion," said Clough.

"I went to watch them earlier in the season and they were unlucky to catch Barrow on a very good night.

"But there's no doubt they're a good side going forward and it should be a real test for us against them tomorrow.

"I think they are in a group of five and six clubs who are all capable of winning this league.

"There's the likes of them, Gateshead, Altrincham, Lancaster and Barrow who are all in with a great chance as well as ourselves."

Clough has been forced out of the game himself due to injury.

But Albion can call on plenty of other players with league experience, most notably Darren Wassall, the former Derby defender.

Former England star Des Walker will not be in the line-up, however, despite training with Clough and his team-mates last week following his release from Sheffield Wednesday.